Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3967, Henry Gehret, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Sehret, Henry Christina
R 3967
CONTENTS

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836.
State of Pennsylvania
Berks County ss
On this 20 th day of August 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the State of Pennsylvania in and for Berks County, Christina Gehret a resident of Berks County and State aforesaid, aged eighty eight years, who being first duly affirmed according to law, doth on affirmation make the following declaration; in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4 th , 1836; That she is the widow of Henry Gehret who was a private in the Army of the Revolution in the Pennsylvania Malitia, believes he was drafted, served three different tours, twice as a soldier, and once as a teamster along with the soldiers hauling baggage. His officers were Capt. Henry Detrick ensign Leonard Voto. One tour was to Amboy New Jersey, the other to Trenton New Jersey; That she was married to him after he had served two tours; and he served one tour after they were married, which took place August 23 rd 1778 by the Rev William Boas at Reading Pa; I have often heard him speak of his services

I knew him before the war, I know he was out three times, I think three months each time, I have no documentary evidence to prove his services, I know of no man now living to prove his services but Old George Keller who I knew during the war and he knew my husband to whom I refer for proof of services, My husband died 34 years ago the 11th of last March. He never received any pension, I have never applied before for pension, I am now old and crippled with rheumatism so that I cannot move without assistance and have been so for some years, I am dependent on my children for support, And now ask for what I believe I am entitled to from the government; I still remain his widow, She would further state that one Henry Gehret who lived in her neighborhood and whose wife's first name was Elizabeth received pension, and died some three years ago, I merely state this lest there should be some misunderstanding in names, Christina Heckman was my maiden name
Affirmed & Subscribed at her residence before me the 20th day of August 1884
Matthias J. Richards one of the Judges of the Court of Berk County.
Christina X Gehret Mark
Witness's present at her signature
General G. G. Hunt James De Jones

I Matthias S. Richards, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks, do certify that the following Record (translated from the German) is taken from the Clerical book of the late Rev. William Boas (deceased), formerly one of the German Reformed Clergymen Officiating in and about the neighbourhood of Reading Penn. 1778. August 23.
Henry Gereth joined in Matrimony with Christina Heckman.
I do also certify that I am personally acquainted with Jacob Helmut whose name is subscribed as a witness to the annexed Affidavit, having known him for a con- siderable period of years, and as a creditable person whose testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
August 20. 1844.
Matthias S. Richards
I do also certify that the said Christina Helmut notwithstanding her advanced age, is apparently in the possession of a good mind and mental faculties, but owing to the affliction of Rheumatic affections her bodily system is become crippled and unable to walk, or come to the Court four miles distant.
August 20 th 1844.
Matthias S. Richards

State of Pennsylvania Bucks County ss 3
Personally appeared before the Subscribers one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the State of Pennsylvania in and for Bucks County - Jacob Gehret. Brother to Henry Gehret, who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say - I know that my brother drove team in the Revolutionary War I was very young at the time but I recollect that I know he was out as a soldier but can not say how long - he was the oldest of the family and I am the of the brothers youngest. My brother Henry Gehret died thirty four years ago last March his widow Christina Gehret lives my neighbour. She is afflicted with the Rheumatism so as not to be able to leave the house.
Sworn and subscribed
before me this 20th day of August 1844 before me
Jacob Gehret
Matthias S. Richards
Matthias S. Richards
3
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

P.
State of Pennsylvania
Berks County ss.
I Daniel Young
Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, do certify that David Medary is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for Berks County duly elected and commissioned, and
that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is true and genuine - Also that Matthias S. Richards is one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, duly appointed and commissioned, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are true and genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Reading the 30. day of August A.D. 1847
Daniel Young, Prothonotary
5967
6203 Cecilia Schick Jas at H. Frey 30 m y 8. at 10.

June 30, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EE am
Henry Gehret-R.3967
Mrs. M.M.Rene 5052 Ingersoll Avenue Des Moines, Iowa
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Henry Gehritt(Garrett), of Berks County, Pennsylvania, born about 1750, in said Berks County, married at Reading, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1778, Christine Heckman, served in the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.3967, based upon the military service in that war of Henry Gehret.
The date and place of birth and names of the parents of Henry Gehret are not shown.
Henry Gehret married August 23, 1778, at Reading, Pennsylvania, Christina Heckman, date and place of her birth and names of her parents not shown. They were married by the Reverend William Beas, a minister of the German Reformed Church. Solder's name was recorded on the marriage record as Henry Gereth.
He died March 11, 1810, place not stated.
August 20, 1844, Christina, widow of Henry Gehret, then aged eighty-eight years and a resident of Berks County, Pennsylvania, applied for the pension that might have been due on account of the service of her husband, Henry Gehret, in the Revolutionary War and alleged that he enlisted in the Revolutionary War and served two tours as a private in Captain Henry Deturk's Pennsylvania Company, length of these tours, three months each and one tour of three months as a teamster driving
Found a Capt Deturk of Berks Co. Pa

his father's team. She did not give place of enlistment or dates of service.
The claim of Christina Gehret was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service of six months in a regularly organized military corps as required by the pension law.
The widow referred to her children but gave no names and the date of her death is not shown.
In 1844, Jacob Gehret, a brother of the soldier, Henry Gehret, made affidavit in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He did not give his age but stated that he was the youngest child of his father's family and his brother, Henry Gehret, was the oldest.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

P. O.
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18_____.
Discharged: _____, 18____.
Application filed: _____, 18____.
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: Sept. 13, 1844
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18_____.

John Boas Esq
21 st Sept 1849

Pension Office Sept 21 st 1849
Case Select Henry Robert R. 3967
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 8 th June last I have to inform you that no additional evidence has been received in the case of Christina Erhart, widow of Henry Erhart since my report of the 13 th Sept 1844 to J. M. Jones, a copy of which is herewith enclosed.
For so as claim has been admitted Her Certificate under the act of 2 nd July 1848 was enclosed to Hon William Strong on 2 nd Novr. 1848. As to any misunderstanding that may exist between Mrs. Soars and yourself as her Agent, this office can take no part can express no opinion for as it can take no part in the matter of dispute.
It does not appear from our books and files that any papers have been received in this office in support of the claim of Catherine Kunsman, widow of Christopher Kunsman to a pension for his services in the war of the Revolution.
John Bous Esq Reading Pa
Miss Catherine Kunsman Katharine Kunsman

Pension Office 57
Nov. 4. 1844
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 17 th ult o . I have to inform you that the appearance in person at this Office of George Bock cannot possibly supply the place of the evidence required in his case.
Christina Gehret's claim cannot be allowed, for the reason assigned in my letter to you you of the 13 th of September last.
James M. Jones, Esq. Reading Penn a
Exh Gehret's case act '36 Pa. code n o 6203.

Wm J Ritter
Feb 13 '45
✓

Pension Office Feb 13. 1845
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 12 th inst. I have the honor to state that the claim of Christiana Gehret, widow of Henry Gehret dec d was rejected on the 13 th of September last, for reasons assigned in my letter of that date to Mr. J. M. Jones, a copy of which is herewith enclosed
Hon Jno Ritter HQ
6203 p a 36 24

Reading, Aug. 30, 1844.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
I have the honor to inclose herewith the papers in relation to Mrs. Christine Gebrek. By atten- ding to their contents as early as convenient, you will confer a favor on yours respectfully,
Wm. Lloyd

von John Luther
Sch 3. 44
[Faint, mirrored cursive handwriting, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal letter.]

Sen off Sept. 30 44
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Christina Schuel has been examined (and) dis allowed — Agreeably to the proofs he went in a tour of militia service as the driver of his father's team which had been impressed — This employment afforded no ground for a claim — The proofs also shew that he was in actual service in the ranks in but two tours of the (militia) which was limited to 2 months duration & are known to have very generally fallen short of that limit — As the pension laws provide for the military service of the revolution within the minimum of 6 mos & maximum of 2 years it is very clear that the case is not within the provisions
Hon: John Ritter Reading. Pa

Sir
Pen Off Sept 13.
226
44
There is no difference of opinion between us as to the character of the service for which pensions are provided. The statement in the case of Christina Gehret shows very conclusively that his father's team being impressed he was employed to drive it during the war. If he had been drafted in the militia company for the war, his service was military no matter how employed under the officers whether as water-hostler teamster or in the ranks. As a militia man called into service by the competent authority, he was liable to be detailed for any duty in camp or on march. But, he was not drafted and subsequently detailed to drive a team according to the witness Keller who declares that her husband's father's team was impressed &

her husband "went along as driver" It is quite clear that she has no claim
J. C. W. Jones 13 Sept. 1864
James M. Jones Esq. Reading Pa

Reading September 5th 1844.
J S Edwards
Respected Sir
Your letter of September 3 rd has been received in the case of Mrs Christina Gehret, widow disallowing pension, The objection being to the two months service rendered as teamster in the Malitia hauling baggage, powder and ammunition generally, being part and parcel of the Army and subject to Martial law as much as any as any common soldier - this I believe the law of pensions, as well as though these two months service had been rendered by having a musket on his shoulder, are entitled to pension I think upon reflection you find the law to be that when a teamster is along with the army subject to Martial law, that that is such service as will entitle him or her to pension for that service if there be enough of it in this case there is sufficient service to entitle the widow to a minimum pension. In proof of my position, I refer you to a copy of a letter written to in reply to the application of Casper Brensinger of this place (if you keep copies) when he applied for pension, In which you state, "that teamster services are not pensioned unless they were subject to Martial law" I refer you to that letter and hope to receive a favourable return as the applicant is helpless and needy. this would be thankfully received
Yours Respectfully James M Jones

J S Edwards Esq
Reading August 30th 1844
Dear Sir
Enclosed I forward through the H on John Ritter a Set of papers for a pension under the Act of 4 July, 1836. for Mrs Christina Gebret Widow of Henry Gebret who was a private in the Malitia of Berks County - George Keller who's affidavit is with the papers states the service to have been three terms of three months each, that however I suppose to be an error, very common with the old soldiers, many think their service was three instead of two, I asked about it and as he gave the answer I put it down of course I claim but three terms of two months each which I believe the claimant entitled to - I thought proper to explain this apparent error in the proof I have had numbers to say the same - I hope for an early Answer
Yours Respectfully
Annes H Jones

State of Pennsylvania } Berkos County ss }
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for Berks County, George Keller aged 74 1/2 years, being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, I am a soldier of the Revolutionary War and a Pensioner of the State of Pennsylvania, I am a resident of Berks County I was born in the neighborhood where I now reside I have lived here all my life, I was well and intimately acquainted with Henry Gebreto who was a citizen of Berks County who died about 35 years ago. I am well acquainted with Christina his wife, she resides in my neighborhood She is a helpless old woman. I know that Henry Gebreto was in service in the War of the Revolution Three times, of three months each. Twice as a soldier under Capt. Henry Deturks. for three months each, ensign Leonard Gotschal; and once as teamster, his fathers team was pressed he went along as driver he was out three months hauled baggage ammunition and etc being along with the Company of soldiers, his first trip he was to Amboy New Jersey Second time he was at Trenton New Jersey. I was not with him but was drafted for another Company about the same time, I knew him from a boy up to the Revolution and during that time, and until he died, I am sure he served these three terms. George his Keller
Sworn and Subscribed July 8 th A.D. 1844. before me David Hedley P.B.
Witness present
Jonathan Guth William D. G. John

I certify that George Keller who has sworn to the within affidavit notwithstanding his advanced age, has walked several miles to make this affidavit, and is a man entitled to credit, his memory is quite good, his evidence unrefuted received in a Court of Justice. August 23 rd 1844.
M. V. Richards one of the Judges of Berks County.

Des Moines, Ia. June 8-1938
To the Executive Assistant to the Administrator Veterans Administration
Dear Sir:
Please send me the record of Henry Gehrett (Garrett) of Berks Co Pa. who was pensioned for services in Revolutionary war. He was born about 1750 in Berks Co. Pa and married Christine Heckman at Reading Pa. Aug. 23-1778 - I do not know in what company he served but he served from Berks Co. Pa - Yours truly - Maud C. Reno
Mrs. M.M. Reno 5052 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines, Iowa

Oct 21. 46
Conn
Christmas School for
FREE
J. S. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Pa Reading, October 17 th 1844
J. S. Edwards Esquire
Dear Sir
The Widow Christina Gehret has been urging me about her claim, and cannot be made to understand why, that her Marital service as teamster shall not be pensioned. The fact is, I holding a letter of yours on that particular subject, induced me to tell her that there was every reasonable certainty of her getting the application allowed. Now Sir of the application of Casper Brensinger a teamster of the Revolution, in your objections to allowing his claim for pension you lay down the law as follows That the rule of law in pension applications is, where the services rendered by the applicant's subject, or not, to Martial Law If they were, the services are allowed, if not rejected, I suppose there can be no dispute as to the fact that he was subject to Martial Law . Under those circumstances with a little discretionary power in favour of poor crippled old woman 86 years of age - I believe you are empowered by law to allow it and if so, I cannot think you will deny her application.
The application of George Bock for an increase of Pension he has been called on me about his claim, and of course you have his application. he has given me a very satisfactory account of his services, I propose this - that George Bock personally appear before you and give you his account in his own words, and in his own way, I do not think that that he can produce any proof of his services, but if he should come then and give you a detailed statement under oath and a satisfactory account. I say if he should satisfy you of the facts by answering himself all questions that you may put, to satisfy you of the truth of them I wish you to say whether or not this way would suit you and answer the ends of Justice - Please return the old certificate and if you wish it, he desires to tell you all about himself.
Yours Respectfully James H. Jones

Feb. 24th 1845.
Rev. G. A. ... Superintendent of Pensions
4391
PAID
L. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.,

Reading February 20 th 1845.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir
Several persons of this County are desirous of obtaining a State pension, and the Legislature requires the evidence to be produced from Washington, upon which a U. S. Pension has been granted upon. You will therefor please give a copy of the following claims - or the evidence upon which they were granted. First - Mrs. Hartman Widow of George Hartman, Second - Mrs. Artium Widow of John Artium. Third - Mrs. Schret on the evidence in that claim, which you have not as yet allowed. Fourth - the evidence in the claim of Michael Kern which was allowed, the legislature of Pennsylvania will adjourn soon, if you please we should like have them soon -
Yours Respectfully James M. Jones

Long 1. Relat. & Chas. June 11/49
Calhane Skinner to others
* Not in files - lost or mis or on rolls
Edwards, Esq. Pension Office Washington
10/10/10

Reading City June 8 th 1848
Respected Friend
I have recd. your letter part of march last past to be so kind as to inform me whether a Mr. Bibighous make Application for a certain Widow Woman by the name of Catharine Hunsman wife of Christopher Hunsman for Pension, & to be so kind to send me the original or copy of the Power of the Widow under I sent on with her Application in 1846 which I ought not to have sent. I have expected an answer for sometime but none came to hand on the 5 th of July 1847 Mr. Bibighous Recd. a Certificate from me out of my Father's Church Register I have wrote several times to him but no answer. He promised me a small compensation please to inform me if there is any prospect for the widow Sarah of Henry. She made Application some years but did not succeed what was the cause & proof she should furnish to be able to obtain it, in future I shall give you a great swindling account of the matter of the Widow's Power how I have been cheated & defrauded out of the compensation. She promised me in case she was entitled to pension & she & her Relations don't make satisfactory to me in a short time. I shall bring a note, I thank you to inform me how long it is that Samuel Leque made Application for her, your compliance without delay will much oblige your friend & well wisher
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office
Yours Respectfully John Boas